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As the first hints of winter settle in, I find myself eagerly anticipating the warmth of holiday gatherings. There’s a certain joy that fills the air, especially when baking is involved. This season, I invite you to embrace the spirit of festivity with my delightful Christmas Tree Brownies. Imagine walking into your kitchen, the sweet aroma of chocolate mingling with a cool hint of mint, wrapping you in a cozy embrace.

These aren’t just any brownies; they’re rich chocolate mint treats shaped into adorable Christmas trees, drizzled with vibrant green icing and topped with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for family celebrations or as charming homemade gifts, they are incredibly easy to whip up—ideal for even the busiest of schedules! So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s create a dessert that’s not just delicious but also brings a twinkle of festive cheer to your holiday table.

Why are Christmas Tree Brownies a must-try?

Festive Appeal: These Christmas Tree Brownies bring a whimsical touch to your dessert table, creating smiles for both kids and adults.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of any skill level, ensuring a stress-free holiday baking experience.
Refreshing Mint Twist: The unique combination of rich chocolate and cool mint makes for a delightful flavor that stands out at any gathering.
Customizable Fun: Get creative with your decorations! Use different colored sprinkles or icing to match your holiday theme.
Quick Preparation: In about an hour, you can have a batch of festive treats ready to share, making them a fantastic last-minute dessert option.

Christmas Tree Brownies Ingredients

Gather everything you need to create these delightful Christmas Tree Brownies, infused with a delicious chocolate mint twist.

For the Brownies

Butter – Provides richness and moisture; feel free to substitute with vegan alternatives like Nuttelex.
White Sugar – Adds sweetness and ensures a tender brownie texture.
Cacao Powder – Contributes a deep chocolate flavor while reducing overall sweetness compared to cocoa powder.
Dark Chocolate – Enhances the chocolate taste; avoid low-quality chocolate from the confectionery aisle for smoother melting.
Salt (pinch) – Balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
Mint Extract – Adds a refreshing minty flavor that complements the chocolate; optional if mint isn’t your favorite.
Flour – Provides structure and density; essential for that perfect brownie texture.
Eggs – Contributes moisture and helps bind the ingredients together for a fudgy finish.

For the Icing and Decoration

Icing Sugar – The base for your frosting that adds sweetness and helps create a delightful decorative layer.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the richness of flavors in your brownies.
Green Food Coloring – Gives your icing that iconic vibrant tree color.
Water – Adjusts the icing consistency for smoother application.
Colorful Sprinkles – Add festive fun that makes your brownies visually appealing and perfect for the holiday season.

Bake these Christmas Tree Brownies with love, and watch them disappear before your eyes!

How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This step ensures even baking, resulting in those fudgy, delicious brownies we all love.
Beat the room temperature butter and sugar together in a large bowl until creamy, about 2 minutes. This fluffy mixture is the perfect base for your brownies.
Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler method. Once melted, gently fold it into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until well combined.
Stir in the eggs and if you’re feeling adventurous, add optional mint extract, mixing until everything is beautifully blended together.
Combine flour, cacao powder, and salt gradually into the mixture until just combined. We want to retain that fudgy texture, so don’t over-mix!
Pour the batter into a greased and lined circular pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted from the center comes out clean.
Cool the brownies completely in the pan before cutting them into adorable tree triangles. This waiting period is crucial—hot brownies will crumble!
Decorate your cooled brownies with vibrant green icing and a sprinkle of colorful holiday sprinkles to give them the festive look of Christmas trees.

Optional: For an extra special touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Brownies

Room Temperature: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudginess and flavor.
Fridge: For an extended freshness, refrigerate brownies for up to a week. Ensure they’re wrapped well to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze individual Christmas Tree Brownies in an airtight container or bag for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: If you enjoy them warm, microwave each brownie for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Tree Brownies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify their holiday baking! You can prepare the brownie base up to 24 hours in advance by baking and completely cooling them, then storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. For even better results, you can decorate them a day before serving, which allows the icing to set beautifully. If you plan to make the brownies a few days ahead, they can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving to ensure they stay fudgy and delightful. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have festive treats ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort!

Christmas Tree Brownies Variations

Embrace your creativity and make these Christmas Tree Brownies uniquely yours with fantastic twists!

Milk Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version that delights the younger crowd.
Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter to add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor to your brownies.
Minty Surprise: Add crushed peppermint candies on top of the icing for an extra minty kick and a festive crunch.
Flavored Extracts: Replace mint extract with almond or orange extract to give these brownies a whole new flavor profile that’s just as festive.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a deliciously fudgy dessert that everyone can enjoy.
Frosting Twist: Instead of green icing, use white chocolate ganache and sprinkle with edible glitter for a magical winter wonderland effect.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for an unexpected, warm twist that beautifully complements the chocolate and mint.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based ingredients to create a vegan-friendly delight everyone can enjoy!

What to Serve with Christmas Tree Brownies?

Embrace the festive spirit by pairing your delightful brownies with these charming accompaniments that will elevate your holiday dessert spread.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: The rich chocolate flavor of your brownies pairs beautifully with a warm, creamy peppermint hot chocolate, creating a cozy holiday treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, fudgy brownies, creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s a classic combination!
Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries provide a tart and vibrant balance, brightening each decadent bite of the chocolate mint brownies while adding a pop of color on your dessert table.
Holiday Cookies: Consider a platter of assorted holiday cookies for a festive touch. Their diverse textures and flavors will complement your brownies and make your dessert offerings even more exciting.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm or chilled spiced apple cider adds a hint of seasonal spice, perfectly complementing the chocolatey mint indulgence of your treats while evoking that nostalgic holiday cheer.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream on top of the brownies enhances their creamy texture and adds a lightness, making for a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate.

Create a warm and inviting dessert experience by mixing and matching these delicious pairings with your Christmas Tree Brownies, sure to inspire joyful smiles around your holiday table!

Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Brownies

Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before decorating to avoid the icing sliding off. This helps maintain their festive look!
Use Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. Avoid cheaper brands that may not melt smoothly for your batter.
Careful Cutting: Use a circular pan for even triangle shapes. It makes creating your Christmas tree brownies easier and they’ll look better for presentation!
Icing Consistency: Adjust the water in your icing as needed. A thinner icing allows for easier application, while a thicker icing creates nice, defined edges.
Set Time: Let decorated brownies set in the refrigerator for a couple of hours for a polished appearance. This will help your Christmas Tree Brownies maintain their shape when you cut into them!

Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate is best for Christmas Tree Brownies?
I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate for your brownies, as it will enhance the chocolate flavor and melt smoothly. Avoid chocolate from the confectionery aisle, as it’s typically designed for coating rather than baking and may not yield the best results. Look for chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa for a richer taste.

How should I store my Christmas Tree Brownies?
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week—just be sure to wrap them well to prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze these brownies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Christmas Tree Brownies, first cut them into triangles and place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. For added protection, you can wrap each brownie in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying!

What should I do if my brownies are too dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, it’s possible they were overbaked. Make sure to check them a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as ovens can vary. You can also try adding a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to bring some moisture back when serving.

Are Christmas Tree Brownies safe for kids with nut allergies?
Yes, the recipe for Christmas Tree Brownies is nut-free as it primarily contains common baking ingredients. However, always be cautious and check your ingredient labels—sometimes, items like chocolate can be processed in facilities that handle nuts. If you’re baking for someone with a severe allergy, consider using ingredients labeled as nut-free.

How can I make these brownies more festive?
Get creative with your decorations! You can use colored icing to add designs, swap out the green food coloring for red or white, or even sprinkle some edible glitter for a sparkly effect. Adding seasonal sprinkles or topping them with mini marshmallows can also amp up the festive vibe of your Christmas Tree Brownies.